PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ— Passaic County officials have decided to ban electric scooters and motorized bikes on all of the county's park properties.
On Wednesday, the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution prohibiting the use of motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, low-speed electric bicycles, and low-speed electric scooters on all Passaic County park property beginning July 19.
Banned vehicles include pedal-assist and throttle-operated e-bikes with motors under 750 watts and a top motor-powered speed of less than 20 mph, as well as higher-speed Class 3 e-bikes capable of up to 28 mph.
The decision comes from safety concerns regarding the uptick in accidents nationwide, including here in New Jersey. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 360,800 emergency department visits related to all micromobility devices from 2017 through 2022, with injuries increasing at an estimated average of 23 percent each year.
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“Our parks are among Passaic County’s most valuable community assets,” said County Commissioner Mike Ramaglia. “This action helps ensure that our parks, trails, and open spaces remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, exercising, or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends.”
The ban does not apply to mobility assistance devices used by individuals with disabilities, including motorized wheelchairs and other ADA-required equipment. Additionally, non-motorized vehicles like bicycles are still permitted, in accordance with existing park rules and regulations.
Other municipalities and counties across the Garden State have followed through with e-vehicle bans and restrictions of some kind.
More: Union County Bans E-Bikes, Scooters In Some Areas
Governor Phil Murphy, hours before he left office, passed the first update to the state's e-bike policies in six years.
The policy updates the regulation, licensing, classification, and training requirements for e-bikes.
The bill, signed into law in January, came on the heels of several crashes involving e-bikes, including fatal ones in Scotch Plains and Orange.
Regulations will require an owner and operator to be at least 17 years old with a valid driver’s license or at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license.
“It is clear that we are in an age of increasing e-bike use that requires us to take action and update regulations that help prevent tragedies from occurring,” said Murphy. “Making our roads safer for all users has been a key priority for my Administration.”
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